Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Tyjae Spears

Saturday, December 27, 11:00 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) was able to log a limited practice on Friday after missing two previous sessions ahead of the team's Week 17 matchup at home against the New York Giants. The veteran running back has been playing behind rookie Ashton Jeanty all season and has yet to score double-digit fantasy points or reach the end zone this year. In Weeks 14 and 15, Mostert did see a spike in his third-down usage, much to the chagrin of Jeanty managers, but he only saw two opportunities from his six snaps in Week 16 against the Houston Texans. If he suits up on Sunday, he will be lining up against a Giants' run defense that is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. There is an unlikely scenario that head coach Pete Carroll could bring in Mostert or running back Dylan Laube to ice the game and protect Jeanty from injury if the Raiders were to gain a decisive, early lead. However, the Raiders are currently home underdogs, and the Las Vegas offense is likely to rely heavily on Jeanty throughout its Week 17 matchup. Fantasy managers interested in starting Mostert in Week 17 are hoping the veteran back can make a big play when subbing in for Jeanty, since volume and goal-line opportunities have been going to the workhorse rookie.

Saturday, December 27, 9:30 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears saw a season-high 13 carries during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Outside of that, Spears is kept to under five carries most weeks. The 24-year-old has been able to salvage some fantasy value with his work in the receiving game. Spears has finished with five receptions or more in three of his last six games. He'll head into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. A defense that has held receiving backs in check this season. There's some PPR value here, but Spears is best on the bench in most standard leagues.